With my first child I was prepared pregnancy to be uncomfortable sometimes. I expected labor and delivery to be intense. I thought I would be emotional after having a baby. What I didn't expect (or really prepare for) is that breastfeeding can be difficult even in the first few days!
Do not misunderstand me. It's worth it. The pain is not that bad and can be helped a lot by making sure the baby has a good latch from the start. However, this certainly did not make it completely painless for me, as many claim. Instead, I found that for the first week or so of breastfeeding a baby, I had to take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself because it was pretty uncomfortable.
Maybe you can feel it if you have also breastfed a baby. And apologies to anyone who hasn't yet but plans to, I wish someone had warned me!
Nipple cream
A few days after I had my first child, when I was in the trenches of learning to breastfeed, the lactation consultant suggested lanolin cream. I tried it and got much, much worse. Turns out I was allergic to lanolin!
Needless to say, I didn't use it again after that. However, it made me wonder if there was something I could use that might provide some relief.
Why not Lanolin?
For me, the answer was because I was allergic. As I began researching making my own homemade nipple balm cream recipe, I realized that lanolin was not an ingredient I wanted to use, even if I could without a reaction.
What is Lanolin?
Lanolin is an oil from sheep's wool. The sebum (oil) is extracted from the wool and subjected to another process to create the finished lanolin. This is definitely problematic for anyone allergic to fur (raises hand). There are also concerns about pesticide residues found in fur and the potential for this to build up in fatty tissue or breast milk.
Many sheep are sprayed with pesticides to treat mites and various pests. In addition, most sheep are fed non-organic feed and GMOs, and traces of this can also be found in the wool. There are several sources organic lanolin from healthy sheep, but it is difficult to find.
Sources disagree about the safety of lanolin and some claim it is completely safe. It wasn't a risk I wanted to take with my newborn babies just in case. Most popular brands of nipple cream have concentrated lanolin. While these can help the mother heal faster, they also become part of the little one's first food, and more natural skin care options can also be effective.
A natural nipple cream
I was determined to ease into those first few days of breastfeeding with my last two babies. I started experimenting with making a natural nipple cream or nursing balm that would help ease the discomfort of sore nipples. It's also important to check for oral connections and other things that could be influencing baby latch!
There are several pre-made creams and sauces available now if you don't feel like making a DIY version. I still chose to make my own breastfeeding nipple cream since I had the supplies on hand. If you want to buy one, here are some good brands:
Choosing safe ingredients
Since this cream is basically ingested by a nursing baby, I made sure to use ingredients that are safe, natural and have a low chance of allergic reaction. For this reason I decided not to use almond oil, beeswax or coconut oil. As much as I love these ingredients, they have a small chance of an allergic reaction.
I also did not use any essential oils in this recipe. While they are great for skin care (when used properly), I have never given them to my babies internally.
Ingredients of nipple cream
Instead of using any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction or be harmful, I used the following:
A note on consistency
This nipple cream is a slightly smoother sauce and I found it easier to apply this way. If you want it stronger, then increase the cocoa butter to 1/3 cup (or more). You can add a little beeswax to thicken it, but there is a rare chance that the baby will have an allergic reaction.
However, there is some evidence that pesticides in inorganic beeswax may be to blame for beeswax allergies. While I always use organic beeswax in my recipes, I decided to skip it here just in case.
Instructions for nipple cream
First, you'll want to toss the herbs in the olive oil. This helps preserve their beneficial properties in the balm without leaving residue or particles. You can do this in three ways:
- Solar infusion– If you have time, you can leave the oils in the sun. Here is the methodbut in short, use 1/4 cup of chamomile flowers and calendula, 2 tbsp marshmallow root, and 1 cup of olive oil in a small or larger jar. Leave this in the sun and shake it daily to infuse. Note that this only works well in warm weather.
- Timed infusion-Similar to solar infusion but without the sun. Place equal ratios of herbs and oil in a jar and shake daily for 2-4 weeks.
- Heat infusion– The best method when you don't have time! Place the same ratios (1/4 cup chamomile and calendula flowers, 2 tablespoons marshmallow root, and 1 cup olive oil) in a double boiler. Heat over low heat for 2-3 hours, until the oil takes on the aroma of the herbs and changes color slightly.
Regardless of which method you use, at the end of the process, carefully strain the herbs and keep the finished oil. I do this with a metal sieve lined with cheesecloth. This makes extra infused oil, but you can use the extra for lotion or other recipes.
If you want to make enough for a batch of DIY nipple cream, then use the following ratios:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon each of chamomile and calendula flowers
- 2 teaspoons marshmallow root
DIY nipple cream
This moisturizing nursing balm helps soothe sore and cracked nipples. Plus, it's safe for the baby to swallow.
Injected Oil for Nursing Balm
Nursing balm
- ¼ CUP injected oil
- ¼ CUP cocoa butter (or more for a stronger conditioner)
Making Infused Oil: Three Methods
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There are three options detailed below for preparing the infused oil for nursing balm: Solar Infusion, Time Infusion, and Heat Infusion.
Injected oil, Solar Method
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In a clean pint-sized mason jar, combine the ingredients listed above for the infused oil.
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Place in the sun and shake daily for 2-4 weeks.
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After the infusion is complete, use a metal sieve lined with cheesecloth to carefully strain the herbs.
Injected Oil, Time Method
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In a clean pint-sized mason jar, combine the ingredients listed above for the infused oil.
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Place it in a convenient place and shake it every day for 2-4 weeks.
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After the infusion is complete, use a cheesecloth-lined metal sieve to strain the herbs.
Injected oil, Heating method
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Place water in the bottom of a double boiler. You can also place a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of water.
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At the top, combine the ingredients listed above for the infused oil.
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Heat on low heat for 2-3 hours until the oil takes on the aroma of the herbs and changes color slightly.
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After the infusion is complete, use a cheesecloth-lined metal sieve to strain the herbs.
Making nursing balm
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Once the oil has been infused and strained, add ¼ cup infused oil and ¼ cup cocoa butter to the top of a double boiler or glass bowl.
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Place water in the bottom of the double boiler or pot.
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Heat over low heat, stirring, just until the cocoa butter melts.
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Pour into a glass jar or pan and cool to room temperature.
- This balm will be somewhat soft and will never become completely firm. If you prefer a stronger balm, add more cocoa butter. Alternatively, liquid oil can be used alone or in a higher ratio for a milder balm.
- Use the remaining infused oil for lotions or other recipes.
How to use nipple cream – I loved using this right after a nursing session. Apply gently to nipples and areolas as needed to prevent soreness.
Have you ever used a nipple cream or lanolin? Did it work for you?
